Spanish PM gambles on unity

Catalan secessionist leader Carles Puigdemont’s surprise announcement that he will abide by the results of the regional election called by the Madrid central government is a sign that good sense may yet prevail in the crisis threatening to tear apart Spain. The need for Mr Puigdemont and other Catalan leaders to see the world as it is, not as they would like it to be, is long overdue in a standoff with potentially grave consequences for Spain, a key NATO ally fighting terrorism, and also for the unity of other European states.

Mr Puigdemont has been outmanoeuvred by Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy’s gamble in dissolving the regional parliament in Barcelona, imposing central government rule and calling an election on December 21 to decide the issue. It was the best way forward after the dubious referendum organised by the secessionists, who claimed 92 per cent support, although it drew a low turnout and lacked independent oversight. The regional parliament, which subsequently declared Catalonia independent, did so after a questionable vote that was boycotted by many of the 135 MPs. Yet Mr Puigdemont, with 70 votes, used it as a basis to separate Catalonia from Spain — a tenuous move that was never going to succeed.

Much damage has been done, with hundreds of Spanish businesses already leaving Barcelona. Demonstrations by supporters of Spanish unity have pricked the bubble of the separatist pipedream. With public servants supporting Madrid and staying at their desks, Mr Puigdemont has suffered a further blow. He says he will stay in Brussels until he can be assured Catalan leaders will not be arrested on sedition charges being pursued by Spain’s High Court. Mr Rajoy has right on his side. But he would be wise not to make martyrs of the secessionist leaders. What has been lacking is a proper expression of will by Catalonia’s people. The election is the best way forward.